Icy Control by Elizabeth Lapthorne Read Free Book Online

nodded. “Later?”
    “Promise,” El said with clear relief.
    Sally was prepared to let her off the hook for now, but she wondered what story was behind the flush and inner glow El all but shined with.
    “Congratulations on finding the painting, that’s amazing work,” Rob was saying as El and Sally came closer.
    “El was responsible for most of it,” James insisted.
    “I think you’ve both done an amazing job. I can’t wait to see it,” Sally interjected.
    “I’m pleased Rob finally broke down and came to you for help. He can be stubborn as a rock sometimes,” El said with a smile.
    “Nothing could keep me away once I got the story from him,” Sally said. “This sounds like amazing fun. I brought some tools. Bobby mentioned you have a lab here, but I can’t imagine they’re used to dealing with centuries old, priceless pieces of art. Is there someone in particular I need to be sweet to? I don’t want to step on toes.”
    “I’ve left the painting with Ben in the lab,” El said.
    Sally looked from El to Rob, then smiled at James. “Hi, I’m Sally. I’m with Rob.”
    “James. I’m with El, though I’m sort of a part-time consultant here, too.”
    “The Agency takes on consultants?” Sally asked. She gave Rob a part outraged, part excited glance. The rascal had never even hinted she could become safely involved on a casual basis with his work. She made a mental note to seriously research it very soon.
    She knew she’d have a twinkle in her eyes as she held Rob’s gaze for a moment.
    “Really?” Sally drew out the word so it was clearly full of promise and undeniable interest. “Well, maybe I should have a quiet word with you later, James, and see if you can give me a few pointers on how to wrangle such a position with these guys. Obviously Bobby’s been a little too closed-mouthed recently.”
    “Hey, I didn’t drag my feet over bringing you in here today,” he said defensively.
    Sally laughed, linked her arm through his and held his hand. She twined her fingers amongst his and squeezed a little. Their gazes met and although she made sure to smile at him, show him she was mostly teasing, she knew he’d see the stubborn tilt to her jaw. She loved Bobby with all her heart. Her whole body still sang from their love-making earlier and not for anything in this world would she take back the deepening on their relationship.
    But neither would she be swaddled and set aside, pushed out of any situation she could genuinely help out in. She was different, thought along non-linear lines and she wouldn’t pretend for a second that she was cut out for the life and work Bobby and El were made for. But neither would she run and hide, or bow out of something she could assist with.
    “You might not have dragged your feet today , Bobby. But it only took the recovery of a stolen painting and…what? Eleven years? Twelve? That you’ve been working here. Still, I suppose the old adage of better late than never certainly fits here.”
    Sal chuckled. She gave his hand a final, tender squeeze then let go. She didn’t want to push him or embarrass him in front of his colleagues. She had no idea if he’d feel uncomfortable with her touching him for more than a few seconds here at work and didn’t want to make him ill at ease. When she moved her hand, she noticed Bobby turned his shoulders and tilted them slightly.
    They remained close enough that they touched.
    Sally smiled, she could feel herself glow happily.
    “I sense there’s no correct response to this.” James shot Rob an amused look.
    Rob chuckled. “We’re both doomed. It’ll likely be easier to accept it now than drag it out,” he agreed.
    “Eleanor, Robert, I hear you’ve done us proud.” Gary Waldron came toward them.
    “Actually, sir—” Rob started, but El sent him a quick glare and he cut himself off sharply.
    Sally remained silent but felt her eyes widen. Was Rob meant to have been with El and James but stuck with her instead?